Android eHow app: Get and share advice on anything
A new app for Android platform that enables access to eHow Web site via your mobile devices
So Christmas, as awesome as it has always been, is now over, and you're wondering what to do next. Well, I don't have an answer to that. However, if you already know what to do but just wonder how to best do it and you happen to own an Android-based phone, then I have something for you.
It's an app that can be used for basically anything, called eHow from Demand Media, the owner of the popular eHow Web site.
The app basically puts all the functions of the Web site and more in your palm. I tried it out over Christmas and really loved it. I was able to quickly find recipes and step-by-step instructions for dozen of cocktails and meat pies, and now I believe have mastered the way to make tuna steaks.
Best of all, I was even able to record the process of making the food with the phone. The app has a function called "I did this" that allows you to upload your experience of getting the job done via text, images, or video to the eHow Web site, or you can e-mail that to friends to show off, which I did. (I didn't upload anything to the site as I didn't want to risk my self-proclaimed level of steak mastery being questioned.)
Apart from food and thousands of other daily chores that you might need help with, the app also offers advice on serious issues, such as how to lose weight or find love. I didn't try any of these out (yet) but if you have and were successful, please share your experience in the comments below.
According to Demand Media, eHow is now home to more than 1 million articles and videos, and a vast community that shares its experiences and provides real-life advice. You don't need to be a member to get the advice but if you want to share yours, an account can be created for free. And now with the eHow app, you can do that when you're on the go, literally from anywhere in the world.
The app, however, does require an Internet connection. It doesn't have any content built-in; it's just a front-end application that accesses the data directly from the eHow's Web site each time you look for an advice. I tried it with Verizon's 3G connection and the performance was decent. Most text and image items loaded instantly, but the videos took a few seconds to buffer before playing, which was to be expected.
The app seems to be a perfect fit for Android phone users now that the new year is coming and you'll probably need help achieving your resolutions. The eHow app is available at the Android Market app store and can be downloaded for free.
The app is not available for the iPhone for now, which is a good thing in a way, because if you really already have "an app for everything," you might not need an app that has everything in it.